For 10 years, he has made a nice living out of a singular talent. He's a run stuffer. It's been his special skill since he played at Holt High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. He should list it as his occupation on his income tax return.

He knows his ability to anchor the line of scrimmage, eat opposing blocks and stuff ball carriers is what led the Saints to call him back for another tour of duty this past weekend.

Clancy is with the New Orleans Saints again for one reason and one reason alone, and it has nothing to do with his ability or lack thereof to rush the passer.

"Stop the run -- that's how I spent 10 years in the NFL," Clancy said. "That's what I do."
And clearly that's what the Saints need done.

If the Saints were satisfied with their run defense, they certainly wouldn't have called the former Ole Miss standout. After all, the 32-year-old lineman is coming off microfracture surgery on his right knee and was considering retirement when his agent's phone rang.
Clearly, the Saints have concerns.

The preseason numbers aren't all that bad. The Saints' defense ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing yards per play (3.49) and is tied for eighth in rushing yards per game (80.3).

But the numbers are misleading. The Saints have yielded four rushing touchdown in the first halves of their first three exhibition games. Opposing ball carriers are averaging 4.2 yards a carry in the first half.

In the Saints' 36-21 exhibition victory against San Diego on Friday night, the Chargers drove the ball right down the Saints' throats on their opening touchdown drive. The final 15 yards came on three consecutive runs up the middle.

Clancy's signing is a clear indication the Saints aren't convinced rookies Al Woods and Jay Ross or third-year defensive tackle DeMario Pressley are the answer to their run-stuffing problems.

"He's a guy that prior to his injury, even looking at the cut ups last year, did some good things," Saints Coach Sean Payton said of Clancy. "The key is how's his knee holding up, and how does he feel. He had a good workout yesterday, and he's a player that if healthy can give you some good snaps, especially on early downs, because he plays the run very well."

Run defense has been an issue for most of the offseason. The Saints looked hard at defensive tackles Jamal Williams and Maake Kemoeatu in free agency and tried to trade for former Giant Fred Robbins, who signed with the Rams in March. They also considered taking Penn State defensive lineman Jared Odrick in the first round of the NFL draft before the Miami Dolphins snagged him at No. 28.

The key for Clancy will be his health. His balky right knee forced the Saints to place him on injured reserve last November. He underwent a microfracture procedure to fix the joint and relieve the pain and swelling.

This past weekend, Clancy donned a football helmet and pads for the first time since then. Surprisingly, he weighed in at 310 pounds. He knows he needs to improve his conditioning. He said he expects every inch of his body, including his toes, to be sore after Monday's practice.

"I'll definitely be in the hot tub," Clancy said.

Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams values versatility in his defenders. He's fond of saying he wants defensive ends that can play tackle, cornerbacks that can play safety, inside linebackers that can play outside and vice versa.

Clancy will be an exception to the rule. He's a specialist. If he's healthy, he'll play 10 to 12 snaps a game and only in running situations. And the Saints could use his strength in the interior.

It's a classic low-risk, high-reward investment. And a smart one. If Clancy's healthy, he'll help bolster a lingering weak spot. If not, the 10-day trial didn't cost the Saints anything.

He obviously has a long ways to go. Up until recently, his offseason conditioning consisted solely of weight-lifting and a little bit of walking.

But the Saints couldn't care less if Clancy can run or not. They just want him to stop it.